Male Fires Handgun at Paper Carrier – Detectives Make Arrest
Spokane Valley Deputies, Major Crimes Detectives, and the SWAT Team were all utilized the preparation of safely serving a search warrant at the residence of an adult male suspected of firing a handgun at a paper delivery driver, early this morning. The suspect was observed leaving the house prior to SWAT’s arrival and safely detained during a traffic stop.
On November 20, 2019, at approximately 4:30 a.m., a driver delivering papers reported a male, in the 10900 block of E. Augusta shot at her vehicle as she drove by. The victim stated she wasn’t sure, but the handgun might be a BB gun. She only heard someone yelling and something striking metal, possibly her car.
Deputies responded and contacted the victim at home and did not find any evidence of a bullet striking the victim’s vehicle.
Deputies also checked the area of the incident and did not locate anyone outside, and no other calls reporting a gunshot(s) were received.
During a subsequent interview, the victim stated she was driving into the cul-de-sac to deliver papers, and a male, later identified as 36-year-old Nicholas C. Fautch, jumped out into the road. She swerved to avoid hitting him, and he started yelling. She said she didn’t see Fautch, told him she was sorry and continued her route. When she turned around, Fautch was standing in the middle of the street, pointing a gun at her. She was scared, ducked down, and drove past him. She heard what she believed were two gunshots and the sound of metal being struck. She checked her vehicle and didn’t find any damage and believes a parked car in the area may have been hit.
Later in the morning, a citizen reported having a doorbell video of a male firing a weapon in the same area on Augusta.
Additionally, a second victim in the area reported finding a bullet hole through the wall of their residence. No one was injured, but there was damage to their exterior wall and the drywall inside.
Major Crimes Detectives, assigned to the case, identified the male suspect as Fautch and obtained a search warrant for his residence.
At approximately 2:45 p.m., the SWAT Team was requested to assist in the service of the search warrant. A few minutes later, Fautch was observed leaving the residence and safely taken into custody during a traffic stop.
Fautch was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Assault 1st Degree and Reckless Endangerment.
This remains an active investigation and Detectives are requesting anyone who may have information regarding this incident to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233, reference #10164400.